KARACHI, March 6: Senator Nisar Memon, Chairman, Parliamentary Committee on Water Resources, on Saturday said that having completed first round of consultations with all provincial governments on water resource management
, the body will invite representatives of all provinces in Islamabad to develop consensus on constructing water reservoirs and rehabilitation of existing water distribution system.
Talking to newsmen at a local hotel about the outcome of the committee's initial consultations with the provincial governments, he said each province presented its point of view, suggestions and reservations regarding construction of dams and distribution of water. The committee would hold more meetings with all stake-holders before making any recommendations, he added.
"Sindh demands construction of carry over dams, construction of small water reservoirs in the province, rehabilitation of existing water distribution system, lining of water courses, release of more water in downstream Kotri and opposes construction of Kalabagh dam," he said.
According to him, Punjab favours construction of Kalabagh dam, while the NWFP government suggests construction of Basha dam prior to any other reservoir, and Balochistan protests against "meagre share" of water it is receiving.
He said some provinces even proposed de-silting of existing dams but experts opposed this idea. "De-silting of dams is a cumbersome process and a sheer wastage of time. Experts believe construction of new water reservoirs will be more feasible."
Answering a question, he said the committee would not present its recommendations to the president or the prime minister unless it had more central and individual meetings and consultations with the provinces.
"At this moment, we have only found that quantity of water is a major dispute, as facts and figures presented by one province vary from those presented by other," he said.
The committee would launch its own website to display accurate facts and figures on availability of water in the country, he said.
The committee had been established to develop consensus on construction of water reservoirs in the country to overcome scarcity and was progressing in that direction, he added.
Sindh Irrigation Secretary Bashir Ahmed Dahar and representatives of the Sindh Abadgaar Board were also present on the occasion.
MMA BOYCOTTS: Deputy Parliamentary leader of the Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal in Sindh Assembly, Nasarullah Shajee, on Saturday terming the Parliamentary Committee on Water Resources illegal, said the MMA has decided to boycott its meetings.
In a statement, he said that the MMA had taken the decision after consultations in response to an invitation it recieved from Sindh Irrigation and Power department to attend the meeting.
"The said the committee has no authority or right to take any decision and it is not even answerable to the parliament," he said, adding that the 1973 Constitution, only allows IRSA to make any decision regarding water distribution amongst provinces.-PPI
